Velum Prime gains EAMU for free-living nematodes in parsnips

An Extension of Authorisation for Minor Use (EAMU) has been granted for parsnip crops for the control of free-living nematodes (FLN).

AHDB Horticulture sought the approval from the Chemicals Regulation Division, with support from Bayer Crop Science Limited, following the withdrawal of oxamyl at the end of 2020. This had left parsnip growers with limited control options for the pest.

Joe Martin, AHDB Crop Protection Senior Scientist, said: “Since oxamyl was withdrawn last year, we have been contacted by many growers asking us to make representations on their behalf. We are pleased to have been successful, as we now have an additional means of control for FLN.”

Until recently, Velum Prime was limited to potatoes and carrots, where it is approved for the suppression of plant parasitic nematodes. The product is now the only low-volume nematicide approved for use in parsnips.

Claire Matthewman, Bayer Campaign Manager for Horticulture, said: “Parsnips are more vulnerable to fanging than carrots, so being able to apply a product previously approved for use in carrots will come as a great relief to growers concerned about the potential of FLN to cause severe losses.

“AHDB Horticulture is to be applauded for the speed of its actions in submitting this application on behalf of the industry,” Claire added.

The approval of Velum Prime also brings a new mode of action group for managing FLN to this crop group.

“The need for an alternative means of managing FLN was central to our application. This should help support resistance management in what is an important pest group,” added Joe.

The EAMU allows for Velum Prime to be applied using a horizontal boom sprayer at a rate of 0.625 litres per hectare in a water volume of 250–500 litres per hectare. In practice, this is the same as the authorisation allowing for Velum Prime on carrots.

“The wording may be slightly different, but we have been reassured by CRD that the application practices approved for use in carrots also apply to parsnips. This means growers can apply Velum Prime via either a conventional boom sprayer or a boom mounted on the front of a cultivator. Incorporation must be made to a minimum depth of 10–20 cm, and application must be no more than 72 hours before drilling,” explained Joe.